When Dating Turns Violent

​Did you know that "approximately 9% of high school students report being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the 12 months before surveyed"? (source)  

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and we want to help get the word out, inform parents and help put an end to this harmful cycle.

All relationships are different, but the common denominator to most abusive dating relationships is that the violence escalates over time.  It tends to become more and more dangerous for the young victim. According to the CDC, "victims of teen dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school, and report binge drinking, suicide attempts, and physical fighting. Victims may also carry the patterns of violence into future relationships". (source)

It is very easy for parents to assume that their child would never do something like this nor would they be with someone who would.  Unfortunately, this is simply not always true.  Communication is key.  It's very important for parents to discuss healthy relationship patterns with their children and teens and what dating violence can look like.

Dating Violence can take on several forms:

• Physical
• Verbal or Emotional
• Sexual
• Digital
• Stalking

Lack of Awareness

• Only 33% of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.
• Eighty-one (81) percent of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue.
• Though 82% of parents feel confident that they could recognize the signs if their child was experiencing dating abuse, a majority of parents (58%) could not correctly identify all the warning signs of abuse. (source)

​You can also help your teen understand what signs to look for if they are in a relationship:  

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do  

Be in the know!  Protect your kids!  Help your kids protect themselves!